PARENT HANDBOOK

adding: Newsletters, Outdoor Play, Enrollment and Termination, Emergency Plan
 

Purpose

Church / School Relationship

Program and Curriculum

The Role of Play in the Curriculum

- James Hymes

Teaching Staff

Good teachers are essential to a high quality program. At St. Matthew’s each class is taught by a lead and an assistant teacher, creating a teacher-child ratio of 1/9 (3's) or 1/10 (4 & 5's). We hire individuals whose education and experience have prepared them to teach and nurture young children emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically.

Lead teachers usually have a degree in education or related field, and must have had experience with and an appreciation for teaching young children in a developmentally appropriate school setting.  Assistant teachers are often similarly degreed and experienced.

Both lead and assistant teachers must be mature, loving individuals committed to providing high quality early childhood education.  The director exercises her judgment in weighing qualifications and attributes of applicants to secure teachers who will both teach and model the values and purposes which define the school. 

Our resource teacher works with children and teachers to facilitate and extend classroom experiences in many areas, including music and movement.

Staff undergo criminal background checks upon hiring, and are certified annually by a physician to be free from any condition or disability that would prevent them from caring for children. 

Home Visits

Children living within a 10-mile radius of the school who are registered before August 15th will receive a visit from the teacher prior to the opening of school. Teachers may request that children living farther from the school pay a special "school visit" to the room, prior to the beginning of school.

Parent Involvement

A close, working relationship between home and school helps us provide an environment in which each child’s needs are met. We encourage you to come to school to volunteer or to share your child's day anytime. As a courtesy, and to avoid too many visitors at once, a phone call to your child’s teacher is requested.

Parents can indicate their willingness to volunteer in the classroom on the Parent Resource form given at registration.

Field Trips

Seat belt regulations restrict “driving” field trips, however there are many places to visit and explore within walking distance of the school. The 4 and 5 year-old classes take 3 - 4 field trips during the year.  The 3 year-old classes take 3 – 4 walking field trips as their teacher judges them ready to venture out comfortably. Wearing a school T-shirt is recommended.

Parents participate by driving and assisting the teacher as requested.  Since we count on you to perform these crucial tasks, field trips are possible to the extent that parents are willing to serve when called upon.  Advance notice of trips is given via the newsletter or special note.

Orientation

To acquaint parents with the program and your teacher's plans and expectations for the year, an orientation meeting for each class is held after classes begin.  Parents get the opportunity to meet one another and be introduced to the classroom and daily routine by the teachers.  Look for the date in the September newsletter.

Discipline

The goal of discipline is to help children learn to regulate their own behavior and to build positive social skills - two of the most important tasks of the preschool years. We count on parents to be our partners in this endeavor.

When conflicts arise, teachers insure safety, teach the steps of social problem solving, and support the children in implementing them. Problem solving is a complex skill. We expect to repeat these steps throughout the year as children encounter various challenges of group living and practice living as peaceful, friendly, contributing members of the classroom community. At no time are raised voices, rough handling, or physical punishment used to discipline children.

If individual problems persist, the teachers and director will confer with the parents to determine the best course to take.  Options include recommended referral for professional evaluation and follow-up.

If we determine that an extra teacher is needed for a time to enable the child to function successfully in the group, parents will be consulted and an intervention schedule will be defined.

If in the opinion of our staff, a child is unable to take his place in the group, parents will be called in for consultation.  If intervention strategies prove unsuccessful, the child may have to be withdrawn. A refund of May’s tuition and a pro-rated refund of the current month’s tuition will be made in that case.

See “Withdrawal and Termination Policy” page 9.

Conferences - Formal & Informal

Formal conferences are held in January and May. However, if parents desire a conference with their teacher before or between conference dates, a meeting or phone conference will be arranged. Health records, assessments, and the content of conferences and conversations are kept confidential unless parents give express consent for that information to be shared with designated individuals or agencies.

If you have a question about your child's adjustment, or if you want to advise the teacher of your child's reaction to his experience at school, please do not hesitate to call or write a note.  Your teacher's home phone number is included on the class list that you receive on the first day of class. See also “Who’s Who” page 12.

Eligibility

Enrollment is open to children who are 3, 4 or 5 years old by December 31 of the school year. All children must be toilet trained.  St. Matthew's offers its services without regard to race, gender, creed, or national or ethnic origin.

Registration

To register a child, parents must provide: a completed Registration Form, physician signed School Physical, signed Emergency Consent Form, original copy of your child’s Birth Certificate or Passport, and the Registration Fee.

Families with a child currently in attendance may register for the coming school year the last week of February. Registration opens to the community the first weekday in March.  When spaces are filled, names are entered on a waiting list.  Children are admitted as openings become available throughout the year.

A registration fee of $80 per family must accompany the registration card.  $30 of this fee is refundable if notification of withdrawal is received before June 1.  The fee is non refundable on or after June 1.  A yearly Activity Fee of $40 is due August 1 and is non-refundable.

Tuition

2 mornings/week  -   $   990/year  -  $110.00 per month

3 mornings/week  -   $1,638/year  -  $182.00 per month

4 mornings/week  -   $2,205/year  -  $245.00 per month

3 afternoons/week  -  $1,485/year  -  $165.00 per month

4 afternoons/week  -  $1,980/year  -  $220.00 per month

5 afternoons/week  -  $2,475/year  -  $275.00 per month

The tuition amount is computed as a yearly fee divided into 9 equal payments.  Tuition may also be paid by the year, half or quarter-year. A $25.00 service fee will be applied to all returned checks.

Tuition is due the first school day of the month and overdue on the 10th. Notices are sent out, and if payment is not received or arrangements made by the end of the month, your child may be dropped from the roll.

If you know your payment will be late due to some temporary difficulty, or if another due date works better for you, contact the director so arrangements can be made with the treasurer. If a child is absent from class for an extended period but you wish to return, tuition must be paid to hold your space.

If school is closed temporarily as a health precaution, weather conditions, or reasons beyond the control of the school, tuition shall continue to be charged.

Payments may be mailed to St. Matthew's Lutheran Day School, 12351 All Saints Place, Woodbridge, Virginia, 22192-3304.  Checks should be made payable to St. Matthew's Lutheran Day School.  Please write your child's name on all checks.

May’s tuition is pre-paid and due along with the Activity Fee by August 1. Prepayment is required as security against the withdrawal of students without 30 days notice. May's tuition will be returned if withdrawal is made according to prescribed procedure. September tuition is due by September 1st.

Withdrawal & Termination Procedure

Enrollment is for the entire year.  Should it be necessary to withdraw a child during the school year, parents must notify the director in writing at least 30* days before the child’s last day.

The advance payment of May’s tuition will be refunded, if 30* days written notice is received. Address notice to the Director.

*Please note:  If your child will be withdrawing in April or May, notification must be received by March 1^st to assure return of May’s tuition.

Withdrawal from the program is sometimes the best solution to persistent problems, but there are other adjustments that can be made to help a reluctant child adjust to school successfully.  Be sure to talk to your child’s teacher and/or the director, if your child experiences difficulties initially or as the year progresses.

A child’s enrollment may be terminated if a child:

     is absent for two weeks or more without explanation by the parent

     has tuition in arrears at the end of the month

     demonstrates serious and persistent behavior that threatens or harms others or requires singular adult supervision incompatible with the activities goals of a typical classroom setting.

Health Form and Proof of Identity

The State Board of Health requires that each child have a certificate of immunization on file.  The health form supplied at registration must be signed by a physician or health professional and returned on or before the first day of school.

The Virginia Department of Social Services requires that every parent show their child’s “proof of identity” (certified copy of a birth certificate or a passport) within 5 days of their entering school.  If this is not done, the school is required to notify authorities. 

Health and Accident

In the event of a child becoming ill at school we will immediately notify the parent or a designated emergency contact so the child can be taken home. The office maintains a file of current contacts. 

If a child suffers a serious injury at school, parents will be notified immediately. If an injury is minor, parents are notified at the end of the day. Minor injuries include small scratches, a cut or scrape, minor bruise or discoloration of skin. If we cannot reach a parent by phone, a note will be sent home with the child, requesting that the parent call the teacher for information. All accidents are documented the day of the occurrence.

If your child contracts a communicable illness such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, head lice, conjunctivitis, or a strep infection, notify the school immediately.  We will alert other families of potential exposure.

No parent wants their child unnecessarily exposed to viruses and childhood diseases. Since young children are not able to manage their sneezes, runny noses, or coughs in a hygienic way, germs can spread quickly and come home to parents and siblings. To minimize this, PLEASE keep your child home when one or more of the following exist:

                       watery and inflamed eyes      profusely discharging nose       cough

                       sore throat     fever        vomiting     undiagnosed rash     diarrhea

Ongoing administration of medication requires written authorization and instruction from physician and parent. Over the counter or short term medications require written parent permission and direction.

If your child is not well enough to participate in both indoor and outdoor activities, please keep him/her at home. It is not possible for us to provide proper supervision for a child who is not able to play outdoors with the class.

Hand washing can reduce the spread of many common diseases.  Children wash hands as they enter the room, before snack, and before they leave the bathroom.  You can help by teaching your child how to wash thoroughly, and by sending an anti-bacterial wet-wipe in the lunchbox every day. To keep “school” germs from contaminating others at home, make hand washing the first thing you do when you arrive at home.

Transportation

Read the handout “Carpool Procedures” 1 & 2 for detailed arrival and departure procedures. To facilitate the formation of carpools, the school provides families with names and addresses of all children enrolled.  Parents initiate the formation of their own carpool.  If your child is to go home with anyone other than their parent, sitter or designated carpool driver, the school must be notified in writing.  Note:

     1) Virginia law requires that children under 8 years of age be in an approved child safety seat. Children should ride in the back seat when possible.

     2) So children do not have to walk between cars, arrange your car seats so your child can enter and exit the car on the right side. Do not get out of your car at arrival or dismissal. Teachers will help your child in or out of the car.

     3) Do not allow your child to put his/her head out of the car window or sun roof, or sit in the front seat with an active airbag while in the carpool line. 

     4) For safety, if a parent is coming into the building at the beginning or end of the day, children should be dropped off as usual. The parent will park and walk in.

     5) When coming in to pick up a child, first sign your child out in the office.  You will be required to show identification. Try to exit before carpool time begins.

The following diagram will help you visualize the route you’ll take around the building when you come to drop off or pick up your child.

Attendance

Please be on time at arrival and dismissal. Timeliness contributes greatly to a child’s sense of security and belonging to the class, and it's a good standard for you to set. If your child arrives after the teachers have re-entered the building, you must walk your child into the building, sign in at the office, and escort him/her into the classroom. (An unaccompanied child may find that their class has left for the playground, leaving the child alone, bewildered, and afraid in an empty room.)  The interior doors are locked after 9:15 / 12:30.

If your child will be absent, please call the school and leave that message on the machine or with our secretary. We will notify the teacher. 

There are no provisions for children to stay after school hours. If you cannot pick your child up promptly at dismissal time, you must make arrangements for someone else to do so.

In case of an emergency, call the school. Administrative staff will supervise your child in the office until you arrive. A late fee may be charged. If a pattern of tardiness develops, your child may have to be withdrawn.

Snacks

Snack time is a time for relaxation and conversation. Parents send a snack in a lunchbox, and include a cup (labeled with child’s name) and a hand wipe. (Do NOT send candy, cakes, pudding or fruit cups, or snacks that require teacher preparation.  No drink is necessary.)  If you wish to provide a nutritious treat for the class on your child's birthday, arrange this with your teacher in advance, as food allergies or multiple birthdays may require consideration.

Clothing

The curriculum includes many kinds of creative art experiences, outdoor activities, and on-the-floor play. Durable, washable, play clothes are most appropriate for school wear, since “messiness" is a bi-product of many valuable school experiences.  Rubber-soled shoes are safe for climbing, running, etc., while dress shoes, sandals and cowboy boots are a hindrance. If tie shoes are worn, shoelaces should be tied in double knots.  All "take-off" clothing should be marked clearly with your child's full name.